Games · 1985
The Year the NES Saved Home Gaming
In 1985, Nintendo revitalized the post-crash North American console market with the launch of the NES and Super Mario Bros. Meanwhile, arcade innovation soared and home computing reached new heights with powerful 16-bit systems.
- Sept 1985 | Famicom/NES | Platformer
Super Mario Bros.
Shigeru Miyamoto's masterpiece revolutionized game design with brilliant level pacing, secret warp zones, and side-scrolling precision.
- October 1985 | Hardware | N. America
Nintendo Entertainment System
Disguised as an entertainment deck to ease reluctant retailers, Nintendo's 8-bit console single-handedly revived the American video game industry.
- June 1985 | Electronika 60 | Puzzle
Tetris
Soviet programmer Alexey Pajitnov designed a simple yet hypnotically addictive block-stacking puzzle game that would soon sweep the globe.
- October 1985 | Arcade | Action RPG
Gauntlet
Atari's landmark fantasy dungeon crawler introduced four-player cooperative arcade play and iconic voice synthesized warnings.
- December 1985 | Arcade | Rail Shooter
Space Harrier
Yu Suzuki's groundbreaking arcade shooter wowed players with vibrant Super Scaler graphics and a moving hydraulic cabinet.
- July 1985 | Hardware | Computer
Commodore Amiga 1000
Commodore launched a revolutionary 16-bit personal computer featuring unprecedented custom graphics, stereo sound, and true multitasking capabilities.
- July 1985 | Arcade | Action-Platformer
Ghosts 'n Goblins
Capcom unleashed an uncompromisingly difficult arcade classic starring Sir Arthur on a perilous quest through undead-infested landscapes.
- April 1985 | Apple II | Educational
Where in the World Is Carmen Sandiego?
Brøderbund blended geography lessons with detective mystery gameplay, launching an iconic franchise led by an elusive red-hatted mastermind.
Enjoyed your trip back in time?